August Weather in the United States

There are no official holidays in August, but that doesn't stop most Americans from taking their last trips during summer vacation. August is the busiest time at the beach and in the mountains, as summer-weary folks take a break to cool off, but State and National Parks see many visitors during August as well.

High temperatures in August for much of the country range in the 80s to 90s (Fahrenheit) and 100-degree temperatures are not uncommon in the much of the south. As for the nation's most popular destinations, Las Vegas is the hottest in August, with temperatures consistently reaching above 100 F, while San Francisco is the most temperate, with high temps only in the 70s.

June 1st signals the beginning of hurricane season, for both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. In general, there is more potential for hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean to make landfall in the coastal states, from Florida to Maine, as well as along the Gulf Coast states, such as Texas and Louisiana. Bottom line, if you're planning a beach vacation, be aware of the potential for hurricanes during this time.

Average Temperatures Year-Round

No matter where you're traveling in the United States knowing the weather for your destination can help you pack and plan for the perfect vacation. The following are the average August temperatures for the top 10 tourist destinations in the United States (high/low).

New York City: 83 F / 69 F (28 C / 21 C)

Los Angeles: 84 F / 64 F (28 C / 17 C)

Chicago: 81 F / 63 F (27 C / 17 C)

Washington, DC: 87 F / 65 F (31 C / 19 C)

Las Vegas: 103 F / 74 F (39 C / 23 C)

San Francisco: 70 F / 56 F (21 C / 13 C)

Hawaii: 89 F / 74 F (32 C / 23 C)

Grand Canyon: 82 F / 53 F (28 C / 12 C)

Florida: 92 F / 73 F (33 C / 22.7 C)

New Orleans: 90 F / 75 F (32 C / 24 C)

As you can see, southern cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas typically run hotter, but both offer plenty of indoor activities and water-based adventures to help beat the heat. If you're looking for a more moderate temperature, even in the hottest month of summer, coastal Californian cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles and mountainous cities like Denver or Flagstaff (near the Grand Canyon) offer a great reprieve from the heat.